Jon Bernthal Set for Spider-Man Debut in 2026’s ‘Brand New Day’

by Annika June 24, 2025

Jon Bernthal, best known for portraying the Punisher in Marvel’s TV shows, is set to make his big screen debut in Spider-Man: Brand New Day. Joining Tom Holland and under the direction of Destin Daniel Cretton, the movie is gearing up to begin filming in England this summer, with a release date set for July 31, 2026. The character’s inclusion hints at a more grounded storyline, which will likely be a refreshing contrast to the typically tech-savvy plots of previous Spider-Man films.

– Jon Bernthal, known for his role as the Punisher in several Marvel series, has joined Tom Holland in the upcoming Spider-Man movie, Spider-Man: Brand New Day, slated for release in July 2026.
– While details about the movie remain unclear, Bernthal’s inclusion suggests a possible grounded angle to the story given the Punisher’s reputation for gritty, street-level justice.
– Bernthal is also set to feature in other upcoming Marvel projects, returning for a new season of Daredevil: Born Again and co-writing a Punisher stand-alone feature for Disney+.

Jon Bernthal, known for his portrayal of the hardened vigilante, the Punisher, in multiple Marvel TV shows, is now transitioning to feature film work.

Bernthal has been cast alongside Tom Holland in the upcoming Spider-Man film, titled Spider-Man: Brand New Day. The newest installment in the Spider-Man franchise, produced by Sony and Marvel, will be directed by Destin Daniel Cretton and is set to start filming in England during this summer. The film is scheduled for release on July 31, 2026.

Details regarding the plot of the movie are largely veiled in secrecy. Constraints are discussed in film speculation sites, suggesting possibilities of over a dozen antagonists that could feature in the movie. These range from mob bosses to alien symbiotes and a few alternative renditions of the Hulk.

What is explicit thus far is the return of Zendaya and Jacob Batalon, reprising their roles as MJ and Ned, Peter Parker’s best friend respectively. The extent of their roles in the film has yet to be established. Sadie Sink, known for her role in Stranger Things, marks a notable new cast addition. The storyline picks up the narrative thread after the most recent Spider-Man film, Spider-Man: No Way Home, wherein the whole world discovers and then forgets Peter Parker’s secret identity as Spider-Man.

Including Bernthal as the Punisher adds a more earthy aspect to the story, as the character’s story is rooted in the unsavory sectors of Marvel’s universe. The Punisher traditionally prefers low-tech combat tools such as fists, knives, and firearms over magic or advanced tech. Nevertheless, the prospect of seeing the Punisher challenge a raging Hulk could provide great entertainment.

Bernthal’s debut as the Punisher took place in Marvel’s Daredevil series on Netflix prior to leading a show centered on his character for two seasons. He recently made a brief return in a few episodes of Daredevil: Born Again on Disney+.

Bernthal’s upcoming projects feature more of the Punisher, confirming Marvel’s intent to focus on this character. He will appear in the second season of Born Again and is set to play his character in a Punisher-centric feature on Disney+. A unique aspect of Bernthal’s agreement to return to Daredevil was the guarantee to retain the Punisher’s graphic, mature elements, which contrasts interestingly with the generally family-friendly ambiance of the Spider-Man films.

Bernthal and Holland have had a favorable joint history related to Marvel. The actors were both preparing for their roles in the 2017 film, Pilgrimage, while simultaneously readying their audition submissions for their respective Marvel roles, even helping each other with their auditions.

Presently, Bernthal’s film engagements expand beyond Marvel. This includes leading roles opposite Ben Affleck in The Accountant 2 for Amazon and in the thriller The Amateur alongside Rami Malek for 20th Century Fox.